Wal-Mart, Sam's Club to Hold Free Diabetes Screenings

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart and Sam's Club are making a nationwide case for diabetes screenings, by hosting screening and public education events at almost 4,000 stores on Sept 24.

The retailers is getting help with the events from Abbott's Ross Products Division, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). The program of "Diabetes Aware & Care" events is aimed at the 18 million people who have diabetes--including the 6 million who don't know they have it--and the additional 41 million who are at risk for developing the disease

The events will feature certified medical technicians to provide free health screenings, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure tests. In addition, customers will receive product samples at no charge, and a diabetes resource book reviewed by the AADE that offers information about controlling diabetes through such methods as blood sugar monitoring, meal planning, and exercise.

"We've noticed that many people who attend the 'Diabetes Aware & Care' event do not know that they either have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes," said Wal-Mart pharmacy v.p. Art Alderson. "Our free in-store screenings allow us to reach a large number of our shoppers with important information about how to manage the disease."

Besides Abbott, which counts among its brands Glucerna Bars and Shakes and FreeStyleBlood Glucose Monitoring Systems, vendor partners include Novartis, Aventis and AstraZeneca. Among the other brand sponsors are Benefiber, Splenda, Quaker Oatmeal, Murray Sugar Free Cookies, Kashi, Smucker's Sugar Free Jellies, Triscuit, Fiber One, Fruit20, Pillsbury Sugar Free Cinnamon Rolls, Crystal Light, Diet Rite, Wyler's Light, Promise, Diet Snapple, and Hawaiian Punch.
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